Kenya Eyes Global Rugby Spotlight: Herbert Mensah Backs Kenya for HSBC World Rugby Seven Series Hosting as Lionesses Gear Up for Continental Glory

Nairobi Kenya

In Summary

• Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah has backed Kenya to host a leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, marking a potential historic leap for African rugby.
• Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed Kenya’s readiness, citing the near completion of the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium dual purpose design for rugby and football as proof of the country’s world-class sports infrastructure.
• The announcement comes as Kenya prepares to host the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens Cup on November 14–15 in Nairobi, where the Lionesses will seek to reclaim continental glory.

H.E Salim Mvurya Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy  and Sports picture moment with the Kenya Lionesses | Mvuryas' X account

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Kenya’s long-held dream of joining the global rugby elite may soon become reality after Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah revealed plans to push for the country to host a leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Mensah, who also serves on the World Rugby Executive Board, made the declaration in Nairobi ahead of the Africa Women’s Sevens Cup, affirming that Kenya has both the talent and infrastructure to stage one of the world’s most prestigious rugby events.

The endorsement marks a significant moment for African rugby. Currently, Cape Town remains the continent’s only stop on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series circuit. Bringing the event to Nairobi would not only expand Africa’s representation but also cement Kenya’s position as a rising power in world rugby. Mensah praised Kenya’s deep rugby culture, noting that the nation’s passion, organizational skill, and proven global presence make it an ideal candidate to join cities like Dubai, Sydney, and Hong Kong as hosts of the tournament.

“Kenya’s greatness is reflected on the rugby field, not just in the roar of fans but in the consistency and spirit of its players,”

Mensah said. “If the right conditions are met, I’ll ensure the HSBC event lands right here in Nairobi.”

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Backing the call, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya underscored that Kenya’s sports infrastructure is primed for the global stage. He pointed to the nearly complete Talanta Sports City Stadium—a 60,000-seat multipurpose facility designed for both rugby and football—as a defining milestone.

“By February next year, the stadium will be ready,” Mvurya said. “It’s a world-class facility that will showcase Kenya’s ability to host major international events while delivering value for money to our citizens.”

Mvurya also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing rugby at all levels, from grassroots development to elite performance systems. He noted that sports are becoming a powerful economic driver, creating opportunities for youth and women while elevating Kenya’s global profile.

“The Lionesses, in particular, symbolize the resilience and excellence of Kenyan women,” he said. “They are more than athletes—they are ambassadors of empowerment and national pride.”

This weekend’s Africa Women’s Sevens Cup, scheduled for November 14–15 at the RFUEA Grounds, will serve as both a competitive showdown and a showcase of Kenya’s readiness for global hosting duties. Twelve teams, including South Africa, Uganda, Tunisia, and Madagascar, will converge in Nairobi for the high-stakes tournament, which also doubles as a qualifier for the World Rugby Challenger Series.

The Kenyan Lionesses enter the competition with high confidence following a stellar 2024 season. They clinched the World Rugby Challenger Series title with dominant wins in Cape Town and a strong finish in Poland, earning promotion to SVNS Division 2. The team’s crowning moment came in Los Angeles, where they defeated South Africa to cap a remarkable campaign.

Historically, the Lionesses have lifted the Africa Women’s Sevens Cup once and finished as runners-up multiple times. This year, they are determined to reclaim the continental crown and reaffirm their place among Africa’s rugby giants. Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch has urged fans to turn up in large numbers to cheer on the national side. “The Lionesses carry our hopes and our pride. Let’s fill the stands and show the world the true spirit of Kenyan rugby,” she said.

Beyond the competition, the event highlights Kenya's organizational prowess, with KRU Chairperson Harriet Okatch rallying fans to pack the stands and Mvurya urging nationwide support for a team that represents 55 million Kenyans. As the Lionesses chase glory, this weekend could serve as a launchpad, proving Kenya's mettle and accelerating Mensah's dream of bringing the HSBC Series to African soil, ultimately inspiring a new generation of players and solidifying rugby's place in the continent's sporting narrative.

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